how do you take care of a japanese red maple tree

See more

Are Japanese maple trees easy to maintain?

Japanese maple care is easy. Caring for Japanese maples in summer is mainly a matter of providing enough water to prevent stress. Water the tree deeply in the absence of rain. Apply the water to the root zone slowly so that the soil can absorb as much water as possible.

Do Japanese maples like sun or shade?

Ideally, they should be placed in a spot with dappled shade. Japanese maple foliage is prone to leaf scorch in hot and dry locations in full sun. Scorched leaves develop brown margins and often drop from the tree by mid to late summer.

What time of year do you cut back a Japanese maple?

When to Prune Your Japanese Maple. If it is a just a snip or 2 go ahead and prune anytime. For heavier pruning, trim your Japanese Maple in summer or winter. Winter is the best time for modifying the branch structure while summer is best for thinning out the branches of your tree.

How often should I water a Japanese maple?

Water every 2-3 days for the first month. After that, a good watering once a week should be sufficient, but monitor it often as windy days can dry out soil quickly. If the tree is fall planted, water once a week when no rain or snow cover is provided. Tip 2 Always provide a layer of mulch around Japanese maple trees.

What fertilizer is best for Japanese maples?

I recommend using a slow or controlled release type fertilizer. Commercially known as Polyon or Osmocote, these are the most common and both work very well on Japanese maples.

Do Japanese maples do well in pots?

Japanese Maples are excellent ornamental trees to grow in pots. Their small stature and relatively slow rate of growth makes them perfect for containers.

Should you trim a Japanese maple?

For Japanese maples, it is recommended to do structural pruning in the winter and wait until late spring, after the leaves come out, for fine pruning. Summer can also be a good time for removing larger branches and for removing dead, damaged, or diseased wood.

How long do Japanese maples live?

one hundred years oldJapanese maples typically grow just one to two feet per year (which is why it might be wise to buy the largest one you can afford). That said, under the right conditions, they can live to be over one hundred years old.

Should I cut the lower branches of a Japanese maple?

Removing too much of the foliage will starve the tree of nutrients. If you prune selectively, almost anytime is the right time to prune a Japanese maple. If you are going to “limb up” your tree by pruning the lowest branches, avoid stress to the plant by removing only a few at a time, not many at once.

How do I keep my Japanese Maple healthy?

Fertilize Japanese maples once a year, in the early spring, with the same type of fertilizer that you use for rhododendrons, azaleas or other acid-loving plants. A monthly application of a soluble, acid-type fertilizer, from May through August, will also help keep the roots growing strong.

What does Overwatered Japanese Maple look like?

While Japanese Maples can definitely appreciate wet soil especially during its first few years of being planted, over watering is definitely a common cause of decline. If your leaves are turning brown/black at the tips, this could be a sign of over watering.

What is the best fertilizer for maple trees?

When feeding a maple tree, I use a slow-release shrub and tree fertilizer at rates recommended on the product label. Alternatively, you can feed with mild, organic plant food. Avoid the use of 10-10-10 and other similar quick-release fertilizers.

Can a Japanese maple get too much sun?

Most Japanese Maples will do well in a location with direct morning sun and shade in the afternoon. Hot afternoon summer sun exposure on many varieties of red Japanese Maples can result in sun burned leaves. I can personally attest to this.

Can a Japanese maple grow in full shade?

If you have a shady garden: Japanese maples perform well in shade. As with any plant, they have their limits. But, along with dogwoods and redbuds, they are generally happy under the canopy of larger trees, on the north side of a house, or under a pergola, and they require no special care.

Can Japanese maple tolerate full sun?

Dappled or Afternoon Shade - A mature Japanese Maple thrives in full sun everywhere but the southernmost portions of its hardiness range, but is also happy with a bit more shade. It does need some sun for best foliage color, but the amount you give it can vary greatly.

How many hours of sunlight does Japanese maple need?

Sun and shade Bloodgood Japanese maple trees prefer to grow in partial shade, or about four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. They can also grow in full sun, which is six hours or greater. However, shadier planting sites will lead to more robust and vivid foliage colors.

Why do Japanese maples need mulch?

Red Dragon Japanese maple, like all maples, has shallow roots, so, unlike other trees, their roots won’t reach deep into the soil to get water. It also means that the roots are exposed to the elements and dry out quickly. Therefore it is important to mulch around the tree to retain the moisture, and water the tree during dry spells.

How long does it take for a Japanese red dragon maple to grow?

This can take time as most Japanese maples take 8 years or longer to reach full growth. A young Red Dragon is still a beautiful specimen plant in the garden with stunning foliage regardless of the tree’s age.

What is the most common Japanese maple?

Of the three Japanese maple leaf types—red, green, or variegated—red Japanese maples are the most common, and, for good reason, also the most popular. Their colorful foliage makes them a focal point in every landscape. Of the many varieties of Japanese red maples, the compact, slow-growing cultivar ‘Red Dragon’, which was bred in New Zealand, ...

Why not use liquid fertilizer on a tree?

Do not use liquid fertilizer because it will make the tree grow too much foliage too fast, which is counter to its nature, and that can lead to breakage. A fertilizer high in nitrogen is not good for the same reason.

Do Japanese maples need fertilizer?

When planted in rich soil with plenty of organic matter, Red Dragon Japanese maple does not need a lot of fertilizer. If the soil needs a nutrient boost, in late winter or early spring, apply slow-release or controlled-release fertilizer pellets.

Can you plant a red dragon maple?

Aim the roots outwards so they do not strangle themselves, which is common in many maples. If you have a black walnut tree in your yard, you can plant a Red Dragon Japanese maple without concerns because Japanese maples are tolerant of black walnuts.

Is red dragon Japanese maple slow growing?

Red Dragon Japanese maple is a slow grower and not pruning it and letting nature takes its course is part of the charm. When planting, the roots need to be spread out to discourage the circular growth habit. Aim the roots outwards so they do not strangle themselves, which is common in many maples.

How to test for drainage of Japanese maples?

Test the drainage of the soil by pouring five gallons of water into the ground. If, after 15 minutes, there are no puddles of standing water left, the soil has adequate drainage. Japanese maples also prefer partial shade and partial sun during the day.

How to plant a new tree in a cold climate?

Finally, make sure you choose an area that has moist, rich soil for optimal growing conditions.

Is it hard to grow Japanese maples?

Learning how to grow a Japanese maple is not difficult, and once established, these trees will become beautiful arbors that do not require much attention in order to flourish.

Do Japanese maples need pruning?

For weeping maples, vertically growing branches should be pruned, along with any ends of branches that are touching the ground. Japanese maples do not need excessive pruning, so evaluate the visual effects of the process often before cutting too much of the tree.

Is it easier to transplant Japanese maples?

Select a relatively fledgling plant as it may endure the shock of transplanting better than a mature maple. As the Japanese maple does have a shallow root structure, it is fairly easy to plant in contrast to most other types of trees.

Can you prune a Japanese maple?

Beginning Pruning. As Japanese maples can come in a variety of shapes, it is essential first to determine of which cultivar the Japanese maple is so that you may prune it accordingly. Some Japanese red maples will be straight, others V-shaped, and still others may be weeping maples.

What is the color of Japanese maple leaves?

Japanese maple are known for the fiery autumn colors of their deeply dissected leaves. But with 'Red Dragon' Japanese maple (Acer palmatum var. dissectum 'Red Dragon'), you get deep purple-red leaves all season long. 'Red Dragon' trees stay diminutive, but a 2-year-old tree will be quite well-established. That doesn't mean you can stand back and ...

What is red dragon maple?

Food, Water and Haircuts for 'Red Dragon'. For all its fancy foliage, 'Red Dragon' is a fairly undemanding maple. Considered a low-maintenance tree, it needs a moderate amount of water during the growing season. What this means depends on how hot your summers are and how much rain you get. Water when the ground is dry.

What are the pests that eat maple leaves?

Potential insect pests include aphids and scale. Aphids are small, plump insects that suck juice from the leaves. You can usually wash them off by hosing them with water. Scale, including maple scale, form a cottony mass on the undersides of leaves.

How tall is a red dragon tree?

SmartAsset.com. 'Red Dragon' is called a dwarf tree, but it's more accurately labeled as "compact" and "slow-growing.". It can mature to 8 feet tall and wide, but after a decade of growth, it usually isn't taller than 5 feet. Still, its grace and vivid red foliage create a stunning focal point in your garden.

What zone is red dragon?

For lacy leaves, gorgeous 'Red Dragon' takes the cake in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8. Its deeply dissected leaves grow in a rich burgundy, then flare into crimson in autumn. It makes a real statement in gardens or patios despite its small size.

Do maple trees survive in standing water?

The hotter the summers in your location, the more shade it appreciates. Excellent drainage is also a must, since these trees will not thrive and may not even survive in standing water. With leaves this lacy, this little maple should be in a site protected from strong winds.

Can red dragon maples survive in the ground?

It won't thrive unless it is appropriately situated, so take a look. If it's a container plant, improper siting is easy to remedy; however, it it's in the ground, a really bad location may require a transplant. Like most Japanese maples, 'Red Dragon' likes a partly shady location, although it is OK with full sun in cooler areas.

How much sun does a Japanese red maple tree need?

Japanese red maples do best with at least four hours of sunshine a day and tolerate partial shade. Fertilizing isn’t necessary as it promotes growth, and may result in spindly limbs.

What is the Japanese maple tree?

Japanese maple ( Acer palmatum) varieties number in the hundreds, many of which can be grown as dwarf tre es. Among them, some cultivars produce leaves of such striking red that their paper-like leaves are commonly used in floral arrangements in Japan.

What happens if you plant a tree in a high pH soil?

However, if planted in soil with a pH that is too high, chlorosis, or yellowing leaves, may occur. If it’s not possible to move the tree to a different location, short and long term solutions are available. In the short term, it helps to add fertilizer with nitrogen and sulphur to the soil in the spring.

Can you plant a Japanese maple tree in windy areas?

Avoid planting a dwarf Japanese maple tree in a windy location to provide it maximum protection.

Can a red maple be a dwarf tree?

The choices are many when selecting a red maple to grow as a dwarf tree. Varieties include ‘Bloodgood’ (Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’), an upright tree with a rounded shape that may also be grown as a shrub. Its purplish-red flowers turn to crimson red in the fall. ‘Moonfire’ (Acer palmatum ‘Moonfire’), is a similar cultivar that grows well as a dwarf.

What color are Japanese maples?

Varieties of Japanese Maples. Red is the most common color for Japanese maples, although there are also various choices in other colors. Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' (Golden Full Moon): Produces lime-to-chartreuse-tinged golden leaves; in fall, leaves turn orange and red .

What is the leaf shape of a Japanese maple?

The leaves of this Japanese maple forms a rounded canopy in an attractive branching pattern: Rather than having a single leader, the plant will often have multiple sub-trunks. Many liken the leaf shape to that on a marijuana plant. The palmatum in the Latin name is also descriptive of the leaf. As on the human hand, where fingers radiate out from the palm, "palmate" foliage bears lobes that fan out from a central point.

How many seasons does a Japanese maple have?

Although the leaves can become even showier in autumn than in summer, the foliage is attractive for a full three seasons of the year. The leaves of this Japanese maple forms a rounded canopy in an attractive branching pattern: Rather than having a single leader, the plant will often have multiple sub-trunks.

How tall is a samara tree?

This common tree may reach a height of 20 feet (with a similar spread) at maturity but is a slow grower. Botanical Name. Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'. Common Name.

When do Acer palmatum leaves turn green?

Acer palmatum 'Beni-kawa': Leaves emerge in spring as rich green with slight red edges, then turn deeper green in summer before turning yellow and shedding in fall

How do I care for a sage tree?

Water the leaves and branches of this tree semi-regularly, but only water the roots and soil when the weather has been hot and dry for an extended stretch. If the soil gets too saturated, it can cause root rot.

When do Japanese maple trees bloom?

Most people use them as specimen trees, although they are also used in bonsai. They bloom in spring, and this is when the red in their foliage is often at its brightest. The color darkens in summer to burgundy, or even darker.

How tall do red maple trees grow?

They grow 40 to 70 feet (12-21 m.) tall with a spread of 30 to 50 feet (9-15 m.). Red maples tend to be shorter in the southernmost part of their growing range, which is USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. For small urban lots, consider growing smaller cultivars, such as ‘Schlesingeri,’ which rarely exceeds 25 feet (8 m.) in height.

When is the best time to plant red maple trees?

Fall is an excellent time to plant, and you can see the color of the foliage before you buy. You should also make sure you purchase a tree grown on its own roots rather than a grafted tree. Grafting creates weak points in red maples and makes them more susceptible to breaking.

What is the color of maple trees?

Image by kujawski. A red maple tree ( Acer rubrum) gets its common name from its brilliant red foliage that becomes the focal point of the landscape in autumn, but red colors play a large part in the tree’s ornamental display in other seasons as well. Red flower buds form in winter, opening into showy red flowers before the tree leafs out.

When do red maple trees bloom?

Red flower buds form in winter, opening into showy red flowers before the tree leafs out. New twigs and leaf stems are also red, and after the flowers fade, reddish-colored fruit takes their place. Read on to find out how to grow a red maple tree.

Can you plant red maple trees on a sidewalk?

They have thick, strong roots that grow near or above the surface of the soil. Although they aren’t as destructive and invasive as those of silver maple trees, they can raise sidewalks and make lawn maintenance a difficult chore. Exposed roots are easily injured if you run over them with a lawn mower.

Do red maples have red fall leaves?

These injuries provide entry points for diseases and insects. Buying a red maple sapling isn’t as straightforward as it may seem. First of all, not all red maples have red fall foliage. Some turn brilliant yellow or orange, and although they are striking, they are a disappointment if you were expecting red.

Do you need to fertilize a red maple tree?

The leaves are naturally light green in color, so you can’t depend on them to tell you when you need to fertilize. If you buy your red maple tree from a good nursery, you probably won’t need to prune it after you plant. If in doubt, remove branches with narrow angles that appear to be trying to grow straight up.

How to protect Japanese Maple from winter?

Locating the tree near your home and with southern exposure will shelter it some from harsh winter winds . If your Japanese maple still small, you can build a shelter with other landscaping elements, such as other trees or large bushes, to protect it from gusty winds, snow, and ice.

What zone is Bloodgood Japanese Maple?

For example, the Bloodgood Japanese maple is listed for zones 5 to 8, so any protection tips are only effective if you're growing the tree in those zones.

How to protect a tree from frost?

To do this, place three to four stakes around the tree, then drape a double layer of burlap over those stakes. Secure the burlap to the stakes with staples. Remove the burlap once the weather evens out, but leave the stakes in place for a quick fix next time the forecast looks icy.

What happens to trees when the ground freezes?

When the ground freezes, trees are deprived of water, and they can suffer winter damage as a result. Young trees are especially susceptible, but trees of any age can profit from a proper fall watering regimen.

Can you prune a Japanese maple tree in the winter?

Such branches are more susceptible to winter damage. Additionally, don't prune Japanese maples during the fall or winter months. If you do, the tree will ooze sap, which could lead to a weakened tree and potential disease. Read More.